Thelma and Louise, by Ann Weil

The Appraisal, Grant Wood, (USA) 1932

Thelma and Louise
 
They met on a crisp September morning,
Each sizing up the other like prizefighters in the ring.
Thelma clutched Brad Pitt to her chest 
Eyeing fancy-pants Louise with a sidelong glance.
In her safety-pinned fleece jacket and 
Striped knit cap lifted from a lost and found box,
Thelma felt dowdy next to Louise, who was
Dressed to impress like she was going to church
Or maybe a funeral. 
Who wears pearl earrings to a barnyard, anyways?
 
Still, a deal was a deal, and Thelma mustered
Her dignity. You’ll take good care of Brad Pitt, now,
Won’t you? she asked. Louise sniffed and waved a twenty
In Thelma’s face. Just one question, asked Louise.
Where did you get that floral rug? It’s divine!
Thelma just shook her head as she handed the chicken over.
City folk, she snorted. Next thing you know you’ll be asking 
Me to go road-tripping. 
This here’s Kansas. 
There’s not a cliff or canyon for 500 miles.
Brad Pitt winked at Thelma and welcomed the morning
As only a rooster can.

Ann Weil

Ann Weil is a former teacher and professor of special education who divides her time between Ann Arbor, MI and Key West, FL. Her work can be read in current or upcoming issues of Amethyst Review, Nine Muses Poetry, Lucky Jefferson, and others.